4 Silent Signs You May Have Clogged Arteries And The Best Foods To Eat To Prevent It
by January 18, 2015 9:02 pm 323 views0
4. Spices and herbs
One of the easiest ways to protect your heart is also the tastiest. Many herbs and spices are medicine for the body. They are concentrate from plants, so they contain the same protective chemicals that plants use to ward off pests and disease. When we consume these chemicals from spices, they protect the cells in our body from disease too.
The alliums in garlic has been shown to improve blood cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of developing heart disease. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory herb that has been shown to thin the blood. The sweet spice cinnamon may improve blood flow and help normalize blood sugar.
Tip: Sprinkle apple pie spice (which contains cinnamon, along with cloves, allspice, and nutmeg) on fruit, oatmeal, and even your morning cup of joe. Add Italian seasoning mix onto salads, into soups, and onto potatoes and other side dishes.
5. Meat that’s as “naked” as possible
I gave up meat many years ago, and I’d love if everyone did the same. That said, I know the idea of forgoing animal products sounds like a steep change for many. A great first step: Make sure the meat you do eat is as naked as possible. I mean meat that contains no antibiotics, hormones, sodium, artificial colors, nitrites, pesticides, or hidden additives. If you buy meat at the supermarket, you can look for labels like “hormone and antibiotic free.” You also want to buy meat that comes from animals that dined on grass or other natural food sources, not from those that consumed grain from a feedlot. Meat from grassfed animals has more healthy omega3 fatty acids.
Tip: Always consume vegetables or fruit with any type of meat. The healing plant chemicals might buffer some of the harmful effects of meat. Make the vegetables and fruits the biggest portion of your dinner plate, and meat the garnish.
6. Fish
Certain types of fish account for your richest source of omega3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce
inflammation, heart rhythm disturbances, triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure. Diets rich in this fat might prevent plaque from building up in your arteries. These fish are easy to remember with this SMASH acronym: sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, and herring.
Tip: Stick to eating fish twice a week, particularly of large fish like swordfish that have a high concentration of mercury.
7. Tea
This beverage is a rich source of plant substances, called flavonoids, that help neutralize oxidation in the body. Particular flavonoids in green tea, called catechins, protect our cells much like a premium gas additive keeps your car engine humming. Black, green, and oolong teas all halt heart disease in several ways, including blocking dietary cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream, regulating levels of blood sugar, and soothing inflammation.
Tip: Drink one more cup daily than you already are. (If you don’t sip any, start with one cup). If you’re already a tea drinker, aim for three cups a day—one with each meal. Let it steep for three to five minutes to boost the amount of catechins.
Source: www.healthdigezt.com
